Thai
sport is part of Thai culture which has been passed on from generation
to generation. Sporting activities of Thais blend well
into their agricultural way of life. It is another form
of group relationship enhancement during the cultivating and harvesting
periods. Thai sport is also a form of entertainment
which takes place during religious and royal ceremonies and festivals.
Thais young and old come together to participate in exciting games which
are oftentimes humorous. Thai sport
reflects the Thais' way of life and their intellectual subtlety.
It is a fine bond that has bound the Thai people through a long past until
today.

Thai Boxing (Muai
Thai) Thai boxing is an ancient
martial art handed down from generation to generation.
The fights are commonly fierce and furious. Thai boxing is unique
in which combatants use elbows, knees and bare feet as
well as gloved fists. A good contest is decided by
application of techniques rather than brute force.
There is a pre-fight "Wai Khru" rite with traditional Thai instruments,
a Java pipe, double-ended drums and cymbals, providing musical accompaniment.
Mae Mai Muai Thai
(types of blows) is an artful science requiring years of learning.
Often as entertaining as the action in the ring is the reaction of the
spectators who yell and shout encouragement to the boxers as the excitement
mounts.

Sword & Pole Fighting (Fun
Daab & Krabi Kra-bong) This martial art once formed
part of medieval military training. Before fights, contestants perform
a 'Wai Khru' rite with musical accompaniment. Excitement
comes from the clashing of weapons and the music.

Boat Racing (Kaeng
Ruer) Boat racing dated from the
Aytthaya period. Races are commonly staged during the
post-rainy season months of October and November, after Kathins and presenting
fresh robes to Buddhist monks. Boats are made
from hardwood such as Takhian. Coloured cloth tied
to the boat prow honours the guardian spirit. Each
team consists of 8 t0 10 oarsmen and a heimsman (or more in long-tailed
boat racing).

Bull Fighting (Chon
Wua) Bull fighting is popular
in southern Thailand, and is believed to have been introduced by Portuguese
traders during the Ayutthaya period. Contests are generally staged during
local festivities. Participants
are carefully selected for their strength and skills.
The sight of bulls locking horns never fails to enthrall spectators.

Kite Flying (Len
Wow) Thais generally fly kites
during the summer months of March through May. Kites have been enjoyed
since the 13th and 14th-century Sukhothai period. The sport was probably
most popular during the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868), when people
were granted royal permission to fly kites at Bangkok's Phra Men Ground
next to the Grand Palace. There are two types of kites,
those designed for display, and those designed for fighting.
The latter types are the Pak-Pao and the Chula.

Thai Chess (Mak
Ruk Thai) Thai chess is believed to
have originated from Indian chess, and may have been used to plan military
strategies. Thai chess requires a square board.
Opponents each have six types of chessmen:Khun (king), Khon, Met, Ma (horse),
Rua (boat) and Bia (pawn). Players move the chessmen until the Khun of
one player is "cornered". Thai chess provides intellectual pleasure, and
sharpens rapid calculation and decision-making.

Takro Lot Huang (Kicking
a Rattan Ball) This game is played during
leisure time, the SongKran festival, ordination ceremonies and other festive
occasions. Styles of hitting the ball into
the hoop are classified in three classes, namely the front hit, the side
hit, and the rear hit.